As temperatures soar in the Sunshine State, staying indoors with the air conditioning can be a tempting option. However, Florida’s wild spaces offer an excellent way to cool down while reconnecting with nature. Live Wildly, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring Floridians to experience and protect the state’s natural landscapes, highlights the cooling effects of Florida’s forests and springs. According to the organization, forests can keep temperatures up to 13 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, and the state’s fresh waters maintain a refreshing 68-72 degrees year-round.
“Protecting Florida’s forests and other natural areas can help all of us stay cooler as temperatures rise,” said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. “Walking beneath shaded canopies, tubing down rivers, or plunging into spring waters is a great way to beat the heat—and it’s much more enjoyable than staring at a screen.”
To help Floridians find respite from the summer heat, Live Wildly has compiled a list of the top five outdoor destinations for cooling off:
1. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located just a 25-minute drive from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs boasts crystal clear waters that remain a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. Visitors can snorkel, swim, or simply dip their feet in the springs. With kayak rentals available, exploring the scenic Wekiwa River is a must. Remember to make reservations for park entry!
2. Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park: This park in Gainesville reveals a lush oasis, hidden within a 120-foot sinkhole. As you descend along a stair-boardwalk, you’ll experience a significant temperature drop amid small waterfalls and thriving vegetation. At the bottom, visitors can enjoy the cool shade and perhaps discover ancient fossils embedded in the limestone walls.
3. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Renowned as one of the most pristine beaches in the world, this Gulf Coast destination near Naples invites you to enjoy cool ocean breezes while swimming, shelling, or watching for dolphins and manatees offshore. Adventurous visitors can bring their own kayaks or paddleboards to explore Water Turkey Bay, or dive into the vibrant marine life near the hard-bottom reef.
4. Blackwater River State Park: Located in the panhandle, Blackwater River offers diverse ways to stay cool. Fish along the sandy banks, rent kayaks or tubes to float down the river, or simply enjoy the shade while hiking or biking beneath towering longleaf pines. With deep swimming holes amidst the river’s meandering path, this park is an ideal summer retreat.
5. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve: Just 20 minutes north of St. Augustine, this sprawling reserve features shady maritime forests and offers cool breezes. Visitors can paddle the serene waters of Guana Lake, the Guana River, and the Tolomato River, or hike trails while keeping an eye out for the 200 bird species recorded in the area. Guided tours provide insight into the reserve’s natural history and the vital role of estuaries in our ecosystem.
Live Wildly believes that the more people connect with nature, the more they’ll be motivated to protect it. As Shipley emphasizes, “These aren’t just beautiful places to visit; they’re vital ecosystems and the heart of our state’s economic prosperity.”
This summer, consider venturing outdoors to experience the natural air conditioning that Florida’s wild landscapes have to offer!
